Continued success for Gryphons calls for ‘dynasty’ label
Depending on who you talk to, the term “dynasty” is one that is either grossly overused or very much underutilized in the world of team sports. When it comes to the Guelph Gryphons men and women’s cross country teams however, it’s safe to say that the dynasty tag is rather fitting.
The Gryphon men and women swept the podium of the Vic Matthews Open handily on Sept. 20 at the Guelph Arboretum, something they’ve now done for five consecutive years. The Gryphons managed to score a perfect 15 points in both the men’s and women’s team standings, while also holding down the top three podium spots in both divisions for the race in what looks to be a preview for another impressive campaign for the Gryphons in 2014.
Guelph’s Tristan Woodfine won the men’s race with a scorching time of 31 minutes, 27.3 seconds, overcoming some adversity in the process after falling back to fourth on the third lap before rallying valiantly for the win in the 10km run. Teammate Yves Sikubwabo was close behind in second with a finishing time of 32:08.8, while Gryphon Ross Proudfoot rounded out the top three with a very respectable time of 32:18.7. In total, there were six Gryphon men who finished within the top ten, including Chris Dulhanty in sixth with a time of 32.26.9, Christian Gravel not far behind in seventh with a 32.35.6 finishing time, and Aaron Hendrikx with a 32:45.7 ninth place finish.
The Gryphons women’s team fared even more impressively, sweeping the top six positions of the 6km run, while simultaneously showing that the last five years have been no fluke for the Gryphons cross country team’s success. Heather Petrick won the women’s race handily with a time of 20:42.6, sending the excited crowd into a frenzy as she sprinted towards the finish line with a steely resolve to claim the victory. Katelyn Ayers followed swiftly in second with a time of 21:01.6, while Katrina Allison finished third with a time of 21:16.3, rounding out the podium sweep for the Gryphon women.
In fourth was Carise Thompson who finished with a time of 21:33.6, followed by Madeline Yungblut who crossed the line at 21:58.2. Jenn Dowling-Medley was the next Gryphon to cross the finish line at 22:08.5 taking sixth place, while Val Cote was the seventh Gryphon in the top 10 as she finished eighth with a finishing time of 22:42.5.
The Gryphons look to carry their lengthy success to the next meet on Oct. 2 at the Western Mustangs Open, a meet which they have had much success in the past.
While embodying the consistency and resolve to win, call it a dynasty or not, the Gryphons Cross Country teams have something almost all dynasties do possess.